Last year, I embarked on a nostalgic journey into the world of PC gaming, where I unearthed an old graphics card from my attic. This relic, the Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5970 4GB, was once the pinnacle of graphical power back in 2009. My goal was simple: to see how this vintage piece of hardware could perform in the modern gaming landscape of 2023. What began as a casual experiment quickly transformed into a surprising exploration of performance and capability.
The Hardware
This time, I decided to elevate the experience by making two significant upgrades to my retro rig. The first was a boost in processing power; I swapped out the Intel Core i7 920 for the more robust Intel Core i7 Extreme 975. While still true to the era, this upgrade provided a noticeable increase in performance. The system now boasts an Intel Core i7 Extreme 975, paired with the ever-reliable Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5970 4GB and 16GB of Corsair DDR3 RAM running in dual-channel mode at 1333MHz. All of this is housed in the original Corsair Extreme motherboard from my initial build. Although I opted for a more modern SSD and PSU—both sourced from my attic and dating back to the mid-2010s—these components had minimal impact on the overall performance of the system.
The second enhancement came from the software side. I utilized MSI Afterburner to overclock the HD 5970 4GB, pushing the core clock to 940MHz and the memory clock to 1240MHz, all while ensuring stability in this air-cooled setup. To maximize compatibility with modern games, I installed Windows 10, steering clear of the outdated Windows Vista, which remains a relic of the past.
The Games
With the rig set up, I faced a crucial limitation: the HD 5970 4GB lacks DirectX 12 compatibility. This meant I had to carefully select games that would run smoothly on the system. My Steam library revealed a treasure trove of titles that I had previously enjoyed on my main rig, including the Bethesda reboot of Doom, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Prey, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Skyrim: Special Edition, Thief, and Crysis 3. Each game was tested, and I documented the performance through video captures using OBS on the retro system itself.
But Can It Run Crysis 3?
Returning to the iconic Crysis series, I was eager to see if the rig could handle Crysis 3, released four years after the original hardware. To my delight, the retro rig not only managed to run the game but did so with a commendable level of graphical fidelity, thanks in part to the continued driver support for the HD 5970 4GB during the game’s launch period.
Slaying Demons in Doom
Next up was Bethesda’s reboot of Doom, which debuted seven years after the rig’s hardware was released. I anticipated a struggle, perhaps even sub-20fps performance. Surprisingly, the HD 5970 4GB-powered system delivered a playable frame rate at HD resolution, albeit with most settings dialed back to low or medium. This unexpected outcome was a testament to the rig’s resilience.
Being a Knight in Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Fast forward to 2018, and I found myself testing Kingdom Come: Deliverance, a game notorious for its demanding requirements. Released nine years after the rig’s hardware, I had my doubts. Yet, much to my astonishment, the game ran smoothly at HD resolution with most settings adjusted to low or medium. The rig proved its mettle once again.
Taking on Typhons in Prey
Arkane’s Prey, released eight years post-build, was another title I thought would challenge the retro rig. However, it managed to deliver a playable experience, albeit at HD resolution with settings mostly on medium. The rig’s ability to handle such demanding titles continued to impress.
Stealing Treasures in Thief
Thief, released five years after the rig’s hardware, was expected to perform well. While it struggled at full HD resolution, dropping the settings to HD allowed the game to flourish, achieving smooth frame rates and proving itself highly playable.
Staking Vampires in Skyrim: Special Edition
Skyrim: Special Edition, released seven years after the rig’s hardware, presented another challenge. After some .ini file optimization and lowering various graphical settings, the game ran surprisingly well, showcasing the rig’s enduring capabilities.
Getting Augmented in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Finally, I tackled Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, a demanding title released in 2016. Despite being outside the official driver compatibility window, I managed to achieve a playable experience by reducing settings to low and limiting graphical effects. The rig’s performance was commendable, albeit with sacrifices made.
As I reflect on this journey, it’s evident that the ATI Radeon HD 5970 4GB remains a formidable contender, defying the odds and continuing to deliver a gaming experience long after its prime. This experiment has not only rekindled my appreciation for vintage hardware but has also highlighted the importance of software support in determining a system’s longevity. With further plans to explore modern indie titles, the adventure with this retro rig is far from over.
